Novel Strategy to cope with Multidrug Resistant Pathogens

The World Health Organization recently added Acinetobacter baumannii at the top of the priority list of emerging and critical pathogens, against which the number of effective antibiotics is alarmingly low. I propose to find novel antimicrobial targets for A. baumannii by discovering haem related systems that contribute to its survival. Bioinformatics will be used as a powerful tool to explore A. baumannii haem metabolism-related genes. The role of these genes will be tested through microbiology and biochemistry approaches, and their contribution to virulence will be analysed in host-pathogen interaction assays. This multidisciplinary research programme will boost my scientific skills and act as a pipeline to launch my career as an independent researcher. Furthermore, this proposal has the added value of including a custom-made training programme on leadership, management, dissemination and outreach activities. Hence, “AgainstResistance” will be the ideal framework to enhance my competences, maturity and independence as a competitive researcher, and crucial to boost my career prospects as a future group leader in the field of antimicrobial resistance, which is one of the critical current and future health challenges. The proposal will make a real difference in European excellence and competitiveness by materialising its leadership and expertise in multidrug resistance of human pathogens.